Napoleon Note Cards

Directory  French Government established after the French Revolution. Consisted of a governing body of 5 men. People begin to dislike it.  Put into place after Robespierre is kicked out of office and beheaded by guillotine due his “Reign of Terror”.  French Government established after the French Revolution. Consisted of a governing body of 5 men. People begin to dislike it.  Put into place after Robespierre is kicked out of office and beheaded by guillotine due his “Reign of Terror”.

Coup d’etat  When a person or small group suddenly and forcefully seizes power over a country. Usually they are throwing out the old government.  Napoleon’s rise to power was a coup, because they kicked out the directory and made him “First Consul” where he ruled as a dictator…ironic since they just won their freedom.  When a person or small group suddenly and forcefully seizes power over a country. Usually they are throwing out the old government.  Napoleon’s rise to power was a coup, because they kicked out the directory and made him “First Consul” where he ruled as a dictator…ironic since they just won their freedom.

Napoleonic Code  System of laws that were established for all of France. Ended injustices, did limit freedom and promote authority, example of social contract.  Napoleon did try to make a workable government and improve economy, laws, and education.  System of laws that were established for all of France. Ended injustices, did limit freedom and promote authority, example of social contract.  Napoleon did try to make a workable government and improve economy, laws, and education.

Lycees  Government run public schools in France under Napoleon.  All males were allowed to attend and encouraged the ideas of meritocracy in French society (you were given jobs/positions based on your merit and ability, not social status).  Government run public schools in France under Napoleon.  All males were allowed to attend and encouraged the ideas of meritocracy in French society (you were given jobs/positions based on your merit and ability, not social status).

Continental System  Napoleon’s policy of forcing all countries in Europe to quit trading with Britain. It was suppose to strengthen the economies of “continental” Europe.  Makes Britain mad and they blockade France…their blockade is better!  Napoleon’s policy of forcing all countries in Europe to quit trading with Britain. It was suppose to strengthen the economies of “continental” Europe.  Makes Britain mad and they blockade France…their blockade is better!

Peninsular War  Napoleon declares war on Spain because they are trading with Britain.  Spain defends themselves and guerrilla fighters killed many French soldiers. Bad for Napoleon!  Napoleon declares war on Spain because they are trading with Britain.  Spain defends themselves and guerrilla fighters killed many French soldiers. Bad for Napoleon!

Scorched Earth Policy  Russian tactic to burn all of their own land/cities so that the French could get nothing out of it.  Napoleon was fighting them because they were still trading with Britain. He gives up and retreats, and the Russians ambush him. His soldiers lose faith in him.  Russian tactic to burn all of their own land/cities so that the French could get nothing out of it.  Napoleon was fighting them because they were still trading with Britain. He gives up and retreats, and the Russians ambush him. His soldiers lose faith in him.

Exile  When someone is banished from a country/territory and sent somewhere else.  Napoleon is exiled to Elba because the people have lost faith in him. He is still plotting a way to come back.  When someone is banished from a country/territory and sent somewhere else.  Napoleon is exiled to Elba because the people have lost faith in him. He is still plotting a way to come back.

Hundred Days  Napoleon returns to power in France because the people are unhappy with new government.  He is defeated at Waterloo and then exiled AGAIN to St. Helena where he dies.  Napoleon returns to power in France because the people are unhappy with new government.  He is defeated at Waterloo and then exiled AGAIN to St. Helena where he dies.